2021 -- S 0838

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LC002660

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GAMES OF CHANCE -- FILING

REQUIREMENTS

     

     Introduced By: Senators F Lombardi, Lombardo, Picard, Lawson, Ciccone, Gallo, and
Felag

     Date Introduced: April 23, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 11-50-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-50 entitled "Games of

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Chance" is hereby repealed.

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     11-50-1. Filing requirement.

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     Any person, firm, or corporation proposing to engage in any game, contest, or other

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promotion or advertising scheme or plan in which a retail establishment offers the opportunity to

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receive gifts, prizes, or gratuities, as determined by chance, in order to promote its retail business,

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where the total announced value of the prizes offered to the general public is in excess of five

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hundred dollars ($500), shall file with the secretary of state upon a form that he or she shall provide

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a statement setting forth: (1) the minimum number of participating objects to be made available;

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(2) the minimum number of prize winning objects that will be included in the promotion or

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advertising scheme or plan; (3) the proportionate opportunity of winning prizes; (4) the minimum

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value of prizes to be made available; and (5) the rules and regulations pertaining to the promotion

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or advertising scheme or plan which shall include the period of time and the geographic area to be

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covered by the contest. There shall be a filing fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) when the

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statement is filed. Failure to file a statement shall be a misdemeanor.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GAMES OF CHANCE -- FILING

REQUIREMENTS

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     This act would remove the requirement that retail businesses that promote themselves using

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games of chance register those games of chance with the secretary of state and pay a one hundred

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fifty dollar ($150) filing fee. This act would enable Rhode Island residents to participate in games

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of chance run by out-of-state companies that no longer have to register here.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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